A Thai scholar said that the completed negotiations on the Version 3.0 China-ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Free Trade Area (CAFTA) demonstrates that China and ASEAN members have joined hands to safeguard multilateral trading system and promote mutually beneficial cooperation between the two sides.
Chinese and ASEAN economic and trade ministers concluded a special online meeting on May 20 and announced the full completion of negotiations on the Version 3.0 CAFTA, marking a critical step toward the formal signing of an upgraded protocol by the end of this year.
In a recent interview with the China Central Television, Piti Srisangnam, associate professor of economics of Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand and executive director of the ASEAN Foundation in Jakarta, Indonesia, said "For partners like ASEAN and China, it's essential for them to show the world that, amid the current complex geopolitical landscape and in the face of certain hegemonic nations wielding the big stick of tariffs, ASEAN and China are standing as partners to jointly safeguard the multilateral trading system and work for the well-being of our peoples," said Piti.
"I'm eagerly looking forward to the formal signing of the upgraded protocol. Once in effect, it will significantly enhance trade and investment facilitation, ensure smoother flow of gobal supply chains, and foster closer ties between our peoples, so as to realize sustained mutually beneficial cooperation and win-win results," he added.
The Vision 3.0 CAFTA features nine new aspects, covering digital economy, green economy and supply chain connectivity, and addressing core issues in global industrial restructuring and sustainable development. Building on the existing CAFTA and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), it enhances regulatory alignment and trade facilitation, paving the way for deeper regional integration and industrial synergy.
Thai scholar praises China, ASEAN for jointly safeguarding multilateral trading system
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
